Practical Politics

Rezensionen / Stimmen

"Refreshing... It is both hand-wringing and relevant, deeply critical of the state of public life and yet built on practical recommendations for improving matters. Briand is well-versed in academic political science and moral philosophy, and has been influenced by recent public moralizers like Robert Bellah, Christopher Lasch, and Jean Bethke Elshtain... Practical Politics is pragmatism at its best: high ideals brought down to process." - David Steigerwald, The Civic Arts Review "I highly recommend this book to planners and others interested in getting a better understanding of local political decision-making processes... The book succeeds because it addresses the complexities of local political decision making, then uses solid narrative examples to argue against 'political consumerism' and for the principles of 'practical politics.'" -- Judson C. Edwards, Abstracts of Public Administration ADVANCE PRAISE "Before you give up on democracy, read this book! In an era when public engagement seems ever more contentious and mean-spirited, Michael Briand offers practical, experience-based wisdom-not naive bromides-about what we can do to make democracy work in our communities. Read this book and gain new insights and new hope."-Frances Moore Lappe, cofounder, Center for Democracy "In a time of widespread pessimism about people's ability to create change and even about democracy itself, Michael Briand's new book, Practical Politics, is a splendid contribution. Practical Politics helps renew the democratic spirit. Containing many practical ideas woven together with a broad concept, this work shows how people can make a difference in their communities, and how, in the process, citizens can win a public life for themselves."-Harry Boyte, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs "Who says Americans have the ability to make sound decisions about their future and to act effectively on their common problems? Michael Briand does. This book makes the dream of self-government real and practical. If you want democracy to work as it should, read it."-David Mathews, president, The Kettering Foundation "This is a strong, cogent argument for a coherent conception of democratic politics. It provides useful ways in which the general reader can take his or her bearings for steady sailing amid the swells of conflicts which beset the nation. It is a book likely to make an important contribution to the public it seeks to address."-William Sullivan, coauthor, Habits of the Heart